New Shire of Irwin President and Deputy
Melton push for rail line electrification
“Indequate consultation” on transmission line: Upper Hunter Shire
Horsham chooses mayor and deputy
Avenel rally for rail safety upgrades
Anger over Gold Coast mayor’s Winter Olympics trip
WA: The Shire of Irwin has elected Cr Isabelle Scott as the new Shire President and Cr Andrew Gillam as Deputy Shire President following recent council elections.
Cr Scott, a councillor since 2017, and Cr Gillam, serving since 2018, bring extensive experience and commitment to supporting the community’s growth and wellbeing.
VIC: Melton City Council is pushing the Victorian government to fast-track electrification of the Melton rail line.
The Star Weekly reported that the council wants full funding committed, including new stations at Thornhill Park and Mount Atkinson.
The state government says rebuilding Sunshine Station is the first step toward electrification.
The council is calling for a transparent timeline and delivery alongside the Sunshine Super Hub upgrade.
NSW: Upper Hunter Shire Council has slammed the revised transmission line route for the New England Renewable Energy Zone, calling community consultation inadequate.
Mayor Maurice Collison says the route cuts through productive farmland and passes over 18 homes, contradicting EnergyCo’s own guidelines to avoid clusters of homes and agricultural land.
The Council will write to EnergyCo and NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe demanding investigation into using existing transmission corridors.
VIC: Horsham Rural City Council has elected Cr Brian Klowss as mayor for the next year.
Cr Klowss has recently been acting in the mayoral role while Cr Ian Ross takes leave for health reasons.
Cr Rebecca Sluggett has been elected deputy mayor.
Frankston is the only council yet to elect a mayor for the forthcoming year.
VIC: The Avenel community is rallying on Saturday to demand $3.1 million from the Victorian Government for urgent rail safety upgrades.
A 10-year-old girl was seriously injured in April when hit by a freight train at the Bank Street crossing.
The community wants locking pedestrian gates, new crossings, and safety fencing along the rail line.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery said Avenel was growing and it was essential local infrastructure kept pace.
Avenel Active says after four years of discussions, it’s time for action.
The State Government has been invited to attend the 11am rally at Harvest Home on Bank Street.
QLD: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will bill ratepayers for a trip to Italy to carry the Winter Olympics torch in late January and February.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the announcement has angered councillors who are dealing with budget cuts and staff redundancies.
Mayor Tate says he’ll meet with sporting officials to secure events for the 2032 Games and visit a modular housing factory.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has declined to attend, citing local priorities.